Religion and Power
How rulers use religion to strengthen their authority and unite people.
What is it?
Religion and power is a theme where leaders use religious beliefs to justify their rule. In the Byzantine Empire, the emperor was seen as God's representative on earth. Coins with Jesus Christ and the emperor showed that the emperor's power came from God. This helped unite the empire under Christianity.
Why it matters
Many empires throughout history have used religion to legitimize their power. Understanding this theme helps you understand why religious images appear on coins, monuments, and art.
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